The 5 Best Trekking Routes in Peru to Book for Your Next Adventure

Published: 04 February 2026 | Update: 05 February 2026 | Reads: 2691

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Peru is, without a doubt, the epicenter of the best trekking routes in Peru. There are many classic options for hikers, some more challenging than others and some with distances that test your endurance. However, there is a select group of routes that stand out above all others: they are those that run through exceptional landscapes and extraordinary peaks, also offering unique touches of local culture.

Practicing trekking in Peru is a transforming experience. All routes require a bit of effort and a lot of courage, but the prize at the end of each day is definitely worth it. In any of these 5 hikes in Peru, listed among the most exciting, you will discover wonderful landscapes and a historical heritage through diverse geographies.

From the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca to the stone paths that lead to the high jungle, the diversity is infinite. So, put your backpack on your shoulder, adjust your boots and get ready to follow our hiking route through one of the most privileged destinations for mountain and adventure lovers.

Why choose Peru for your next trekking in 2026?

Variety of Ecosystems: You can go from high glaciers to deep valleys and cloud forests in a single route.
Improved Infrastructure: For this 2026, the campsites and logistical services on the main routes have reached quality standards that guarantee a safe and comfortable adventure.
Cultural Connection: Unlike other destinations, hikes in Peru allow you to interact with local communities that keep ancient traditions alive.

Note: In this 2026, remember that the high demand for routes like the Inca Trail or Salkantay requires reservations months in advance. Planning is the best tool to secure your spot on these peaks.

Inca Trail

Inca trail the hike where will you have many adventures in which you will not only see archaeological sites like Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo, or Wiñay Huayna; also you will see a variety of plants and animals of the area. You will through the sweeping, landscapes of a snowy mountain to a fantastic jungle, and you will notice that the climate changes are surprising but your sacrifice will be rewarded upon arriving at Machu Picchu which is the best known of the Inka ruins as it is recognized in the world. Then Inca Trail tours you can rest in Aguas Calientes village, where a great place to relax it.

Day 1: Cusco/Km.82/Wayllabamba
You or your group have to go to Ollantaytambo, 1.45hrs from Cusco. Then you will have about 45 minutes for a break…a good idea would be to use the bathroom or eat something before the trip. Afterward, it is probably 20 minute's drive to Km 82. Which is the first checkpoint to the Inca trail. Here you need to review your implements and be ready for the walk, after the first hour we will have the lunch stop and rehydration.

After lunch we return to the walk and now we will climb a slop for 2 hours more…this is a gradually ascending trail. You will be passing the archaeological sites of Llactapata, Qoriwayrachina, and Wayllabamba before reaching the first campsite at 2853m to sea level. In that place can choose to purchase drinks and snacks from the local people living there. The total distance is 10.4km and walking time can be 4 or 5hrs.
Day 2: Wayllabamba/Warmiwañusca/Pacaymayo
In this day have to walk in the cloud forest for about 3hrs until emerging into the Puna ecosystem in the high andes, the vegetation is sparse and you will feel the temperature drop, you arrived the highest point on the inka trail called Warmiwañusca or “Dead woman´s” pass at 4314m to the sea level… of this pointe we have a fantastic view of the whole area. After a little break you will descending once again 2hrs until find the checkpoint to the lunch. You have finished the walk for now and can take drinks or food and other option would be doing hobbies because you finished too early.
Day 3: Pacaymayo/Puya Patamarka/Wiñay Huayna
After breakfast you start the steeps ascend towards at 3921m to sea level, you will reach de Sayamarca ruins after 2hrs into the climb, and from there it is about 40 minutes further the pass. After the pass the trek will continue descending and ascending the stairs. A guided visit of Puya Patamarka approaches… another important and fantastic monument. In the afternoon there will be 2.5hrs more trekking and the final part being a descent of approximately 2000 inka stairs to Wiñay Huayna or “Forever young”. The overnight at the camp site at about 2692m to sea level.
Day 4: Wiñay Huayna/Machu Picchu
We have to get up too early, 3am is a good time to arrive and sunrise at Machu Picchu. After a good breakfast you will begin to the trek to the gates where we will wait until 5.30am for them to attend us. From there is only 1.30hrs to Inti punku or “The Sun Gate” where you will have the most amazing view of the citadel. Machu Picchu is the best known of the inka ruins as it is recognized in the world. When you leave from Machu Picchu have to descent to Aguas calientes and enjoy the place because you finished the inka trek. You will through sweeping, landscapes of a snowy mountain to a fantastic jungle.

Trekking routes in Peru

Salkantay Trek

Considered by National Geographic as one of the best trekking routes in Peru, the Salkantay Trek offers an experience of pure and wild nature. The highest point of the hike is at the imposing Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters above sea level. This expedition usually lasts 5 days, allowing you to witness an amazing transition from glaciers to the high jungle.

During the journey, we will observe a diverse Andean fauna and a wide variety of medicinal plants that the locals still use. It is a long trip that requires endurance, but the view of the landscape is incomparable. You will travel through beautiful mountains of the Vilcanota Range and visit the famous Humantay Lagoon, one of the most photographed and spectacular points of this adventure.

Best season: In this 2026, the months from June to August remain the favorites due to their clear weather.
Smart alternative: Another excellent option is traveling between March and October, taking advantage of the dry season to enjoy quieter trails.

At the end of the Salkantay Trek, you will be ready to live more adventures in Peru and continue exploring those mysterious places that keep fascinating us. It is, without a doubt, an experience that redefines what trekking in Peru means.

Note: One of the great advantages of Salkantay is that, unlike the Inca Trail, it does not require permits so far in advance, although it is recommended to book 4 to 8 weeks in advance to secure the best accommodations (such as the famous Sky Domes).

Day 1: Cusco/Mollepata/Challacancha/Soraypampa (Humantay Lake):

Walking distance: 12 km. /7.45 miles.
Highest elevation: 4600m above sea level.
Campsite elevation: 3920m above sea level
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: Soraypampa/Salkantay pass/Wayracpunku/Chaullay:

Walking distance: 22km./14 miles.
Highest elevation: 4650m above sea level.
Campsite elevation: 2750m above sea level.
Difficulty: Very challenging.

Day 3: Chaullay/Collpapampa/La playa/Lucmabamba:

Walking distance: 18km. /11 miles.
Highest elevation: 2750m above sea level. (Descending)
Campsite elevation: 2400m above the sea level.
Difficulty: easy (no excuses).

Day 4: Lucmabamba/Llactapat/Hydroelectric/Aguas calientes:

Walking distance: 18km. /11 miles.
Highest elevation: 2400m above sea level. (Descending).
Campsite elevation: 2000m above sea level.
Difficulty: Almost challenging.

Day 5: The glorious day - Machu Picchu.

Here you can take a breath while walk for the lost city of the inkas.

Mystical Huancaya trekking

If you are looking for a Peru trekking experience that combines the serenity of turquoise lagoons with the history of the central Andes, Huancaya is the ideal destination. Located within the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, this place remains untouched, so, to appreciate its scale, you have to walk upriver through paths that wind between natural waterfalls and colonial bridges.

In this 2026, the best routes for trekking in the Peruvian Andes within this region are:

Route of the pre-Inca terraces of Ancovilca: A journey that shows the perfect harmony between ancient engineering and the flow of the river.
Ashincuy Lake: A hike that takes you to crystal clear waters surrounded by imposing mountains.
Fishermen's Route - Pachachaca: Includes crossing the famous hanging bridge, an experience full of adrenaline and spectacular views.

For many, the most beautiful place in the entire country is the Valley of the Lagoons, and it is impossible not to agree; the photos you capture here will be, simply, unforgettable. Although it is not a hike with the physical demand of the Inca Trail, the emotion you will feel walking in front of the fantastic waterfalls of Quillo and Cachachimba is unique. Without a doubt, it is a journey you will remember forever.

Day 1: Lunahuana /Huancaya city
You arrive by car and the time of arrival can be about 3hrs to Lunahuana, then we will embark for Huancaya where we will know these villages: Pacaran, Magdalena, Tinco Alis, Laguna Piquecoha, Vitis y Huancaya.

Finally, we will make the city tour where there will be typical houses, the Main Square, and museum of the area that conserves mummies of yauyos culture.
Day 2: Tours Vilcas la joya of the landscape reserve/Valley of the lagoons/ Stone bridges
We wake up at 700am for our breakfast, then we prepare the route for cañete river and arrive to the valley of lagoons direct to the town of Huancaya. In the tour we will take unforgettable photos of the Valley of the lagoons.

During our trekking for the Loma de Canta gallo we will observe the Papacocha Lake and finish with the course to Huancaya.
Day 3: Huancaya/Cascadas huallhuas/Carhuancho/Cochas de Huancaya
We prepare to an easy walk to Quinllo y Cachachimba where you have a fantastic view of the waterfalls, then when recovering strength we can to go Vitis where there will be many more waterfalls and finish with a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Lunahuana (canotaje)/Lima city
A good breakfast and you have all morning to buy local food (cheese) and crafts. Before return the city we can do rafting for 50 minutes for the Cañetes River. All this will undoubtedly be something unforgettable.

Peru trekking

Callan punta Trek

If you are looking for the best introduction to trekking in the Peruvian Andes, Callan Punta is the ideal place. Located at 4,200 masl, this privileged viewpoint offers an impressive dual view: from here you can see both the Cordillera Negra and the imposing snowy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, with the city of Huaraz stretching out at its feet.

This route is not just a physical excursion; it is an immersion into the daily life of the rural communities of Ancash. During the journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, you will pass by farms, local schools, and artisan houses, where you can learn about their customs and try their food, especially their famous handmade cheese. At the end of the descent in the city of Huaraz, you will have the chance to support the community by buying their colorful crafts.

Logistics and Challenge

Access: To reach the starting point at Punta Callan, a car trip of about 60 minutes from Huaraz is required.
Versatility: You can do the descent walking or by mountain bike. If you choose the bike, we recommend doing it in a group for greater safety.
Acclimatization: It is an excellent exercise to acclimatize the body before facing bigger challenges like the Santa Cruz Trek or Lagoon 69.

Requirements and Essential Gear for 2026

To enjoy this fantastic hike without setbacks, make sure to include these essential items in your backpack:

Footwear: Hiking boots with good grip.
Clothing: Layering system (light clothing for the daytime sun and warm clothing for the wind at the summit), scarf, and hat.
Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen (radiation is high at this altitude), and insect repellent.
Extras: Raincoat for sudden rains, camera, and cash (soles) for food, crafts, and personal expenses.

Hikes in Peru

Cerro de San Juan Trek

From the parking lot we enter the dry riverbed towards the interior of the hill…is necessary get water and to be hydrated because in this place we don’t found that recourse, we continue for the same route about 800m until arriving to a clay place in the base of the hill. We will continue walking and find a slope towards the clay reef, then we will have to climb a ravine…listen…you have to be careful. Finished this, we just have to follow the route and arrive to our viewpoint.